-
Trust Weighted
Good
-
5
Trust Points
BigdaddyDave's Review
Summary -
Good
3.0
Frank Sinatra stars as Col. Joseph Ryan, an American Army Air Corp pilot in WWII who is shot down in Italy and taken as a prisoner of war in the film Von Ryan’s Express. Although known for his golden voice, he refrains from singing in this action flick, instead flexing his considerable acting skills as the cool American who leads his entire P.O.W. camp on a wild escape attempt using a German train.
The movie moves at a fairly decent pace after starting out in the camp with the requisite character development. Initially despised by his campmates, he gradually wins them over with his steely resolve and willingness to outsmart his captors.
Featuring plenty of narrow escapes, the movie is enjoyable watching, although a bit farfetched and implausible at times. If you enjoy WWII films, especially like Stalag 17 or The Great Escape, you will most certainly enjoy this film as well.
Acting -
Good
3.0
Male Stars -
Good
3.0
Sinatra is confident, yet a bit cocky, in his role as the leader of the escape. There is no denying his star power, yet he eventually tones it down as the movie continues.
Female Stars -
Good
3.0
Raffaelle Carra plays the lone female role, as a captive. Beautiful to a fault, she is relegated to a role that is more confusing to the story than relevant.
Female Costars -
Good
3.0
Male Costars -
Good
3.0
Nice characters roles here. Trevor Howard in particular, is good in his role as the stodgy British officer who had been ranking commander prior to Ryan's arrival.
Film -
OK
2.5
Direction -
Good
3.0
Mark Robson does a fine job in creating the adventure, including plot twists that keep the film engaging.
Dialogue -
OK
2.5
Music -
OK
2.5
Visuals -
OK
2.5
A mixed bag here. Yes, the special effects were a bit cheesy at times. But this was also state-of-the-art and perfectly acceptable for the time period. So, I'll give it a pass.
Edge -
Risqué
1.9
Sex
Titillating
1.6
A humerous scene when all the men in the camp burn thier clothing and stand at attention naked. Distant shots of male backsides. Otherwise nothing else.
Violence
Fierce
2.4
Wartime violence, although the soldiers seems to be very careful when falling to the ground after being shot.
Rudeness
Salty
1.6
Reality -
Glib
1.4
Circumstantial -
Surreal
2.1
The premise of the movie is enjoyable, but a bit far fetched.
Biological -
Natural
1.0
Physical -
Natural
1.0
